Friday, 13 February 2009

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THIS SUCCESSFUL OCCUPATION!!!A SINCERE THANK YOU GOES OUT TO HUGH JONES (REGISTRAR & SECRETARY OF GOLDSMITHS) FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE MANIFESTATION OF THIS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME.

Goldsmiths will establish 4 scholarships, covering the cost of taught postgraduate tuition fees, to be awarded to students who come from all and any part of the world which is affected by oppression, persecution, political or military strife such that their human right to education is denied to them.

Goldsmiths will work with its students and other interested parties to establish a charitable trust to raise funds to support the costs of these students' study - accommodation, travel and living expenses. In the early years of the charity's operation, if it cannot raise sufficient funds to cover the costs, Goldsmiths will provide funds to enable the students to study at Goldsmiths.

Two of the four scholarships will, for the ten years from 2009-10 until 2018-19, be reserved for students from Palestine. Before the 2019-20 scholarships are advertised, there will be a review, which will include asking the student body (and making its assent a necessary condition) to determine whether and for how long the reservation of 2 scholarships for Palestinian students should continue.

Goldsmiths will work with Al-Quds Open University and Birzeit University, with which we already have strong academic links, in identifying suitable candidates. The selection panel to agree the criteria for the scholarships in the first instance, and to determine who receives the scholarships on an annual basis, shall comprise a student representative chosen by the students, an academic staff representative, and a Pro-Warden.

Consequences of the occupation

It is my belief that the occupation of Deptford Town Hall has been conducted peacefully and in good order. Unless, when the occupation is over, significant damage is found to have occurred, I am happy to confirm that no action will be taken against those students who took part in the occupation.

PLEASE NOTE: All barriers and blockades that have been erected are directed towards the Senior Management Team, NOT students. This occupation recognizes that the right to education should be granted to ALL students, and we will do the best we can not to disrupt the educational process that takes place in Deptford Town Hall.

Not what we are asking for AT ALL! Strange isn't it, that Palestine isn't mentioned.

WHAT WE ARE DEMANDING: 2 MA scholarships for students of Al-Quds Open University in Nablus, as well as spaces in halls of residence. The SU/Palestine Twinning Campaign has made it clear that we will be responsible for their airfare, whilst Al-Quds Open University/the students themselves will bear the cost of living expenses.

11th February 2009 - Fifty Goldsmiths students have occupied Deptford Town Hall to demand two MA scholarships for Palestinian students attending Al-Quds Open University in Nablus. This action has been initiated by the Goldsmiths Students’ Union Palestine Twinning Campaign.

The occupying students have been peaceful and their interaction with the staff has been cordial.

The students entered the building at noon today and intend to remain day and night until their demands have been met. Until that time they will be organizing film screenings, social events and talks regarding the Israeli Occupation of Palestine and other political issues.

The granting of these scholarships is determined by Goldsmiths Senior Management Team which operates from Deptford Town Hall.

The space is open to all who choose to participate. Deptford Town Hall’s security staff is allowing people to enter and exit the building freely.

This action has been taken in support of a nationwide wave of twenty-seven student-led university occupations in response to the recent twenty-two day assault on Gaza. Goldsmiths’ SU began the campaign for scholarships in 2006.

To show your support for the granting of these MA scholarships, contact Warden Geoffrey Crossick at g.crossick@gold.ac.uk.

For more information regarding Goldsmiths’ students occupation of Deptford Town Hall, email goldsmithsoccupation@gmail.com.